As big as playing the league opener against the Ravens may be, a case can be made it wouldn't be the most attractive game on Denver's schedule. Peyton Manning will play against his younger brother, New York Giants star Eli Manning, at the Meadowlands. And former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan will be returning to Denver as coach of the Washington Redskins.

There also is Peyton Manning's return to Indianapolis, his team of 14 years, and a matchup against his heir apparent, Andrew Luck. And there is a Manning-Tom Brady matchup at New England — this time with Wes Welker on Manning's side. Less is more. Welker averaged 112 receptions in his six seasons with the Patriots.

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If Welker continues to catch that many passes as Manning's new slot target, outside receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker will have to settle for fewer than the 94 and 85 receptions they had last season.

"This year we're trying to play faster, a higher tempo and maybe get some more plays in," Decker said Wednesday. "Ultimately, there might be some passes or targets taken away, but it's about winning football games. I want to get to a world championship. I want a ring on my finger.

"If that's the case where I lose some catches, I lose some yards, it really isn't a big deal to me personally because of what our ultimate goal is here."

Manning's zip. Decker, Thomas and Welker caught passes from Manning last week during a workout at Duke University in Durham, N.C. Were the balls Manning threw hitting the hands harder, firmer or softer than last year?

"I thought there was a little more zip on it," Decker said. "But I can't complain about his balls — it was tremendous last season, the way he threw and every time he hit you in the numbers. This past week, he had a little more pop on it. I think he was excited to get back and get that timing down." Mike Klis, The Denver Post